Nielsen Debuts People Meter in NYC Despite Concerns

Nielsen Media Research began offering Local People Meter data this week in New York, and will continue to operate the city's current meter/diary system for three more months due to differing opinions on the specifics of its implementation. During this time, either set of data may be used commercially. Nielsen originall

Nielsen Media Research began offering Local People Meter data this week in New York, and will continue to operate the city's current meter/diary system for three more months due to differing opinions on the specifics of its implementation. During this time, either set of data may be used commercially. Nielsen originally planned to debut the LPM on April 8, but held off due to community leaders and officials who raised questions about the system, and whether or not it accurately represents minorities.

Univision released a statement on the introduction date saying it is "astounded" that Nielsen would proceed with the LPM service despite evidence that the sample is flawed and accreditation from the Media Ratings Council has been withheld citing "non-compliance" with MRC standards and other "performance issues." The company, which is the country's largest broadcaster targeting Hispanics, says the public will be confused by the simultaneous systems, and the sample on which Nielsen will base its LPM ratings contains too few Hispanics, too many small Hispanic households and too many Hispanic households that speak mostly or only English. "Therefore, the LPM ratings will materially understate viewing to Spanish-language stations like Univision, and exaggerate viewing to English-language stations," the company said.

Tribune Broadcasting also criticized the decision, calling it "unwise and unsound" and asked Nielsen to reverse its decision.

Nielsen Media Research is having no easy time bringing its local operations into the Information Age. A recently announced Senate subcommittee probe is latest in a long line of obstacles for the audience measurement firm's transition from handwritten diaries to electronic devices called "local people meters." A hearing

Nielsen Media Research filed an opposing motion against the injunction filed by Univision calling to delay the roll-out of local people meters (LPM) in Los Angeles. The people meters were scheduled to launch in the L.A. market on July 8. In its filing with the Los Angeles State Superior Court, Nielsen said, "Univisio

NAB's Television Board of Directors today urged Nielsen Media Research to delay implementation of Local People Meter service in New York, currently scheduled to launch April 8, 2004. The Television Board said in a statement: "We believe it is Nielsen's responsibility to fully address the concerns of its broadcast clie

Nielsen is planning add VOD ratings to its menu of TV measurement methods. The Nielsen active/passive meter-- a tool that detects codes in broadcast signals that are delivered to TVs--will collect the VOD data, but the company assures the public that the data collected about the viewing habits of a household will

Nielsen Media Research recently selected 11 civic and business leaders to serve on a task force that aims to ensure all television viewers are equally represented in its ratings system. Civil rights groups have criticized the new system--the Local People Meter (LPM)--for undercounting minorities. LPM measures local vi